How do you say Taghazout: A beginner’s guide

You know when you see a name of a place so many times, but you have no idea how to pronounce it. So yeah, this week’s surf spot spotlight is on Taghazout. Tarazoot according to the Wall Street Journal.

Tarazoot means In the face of the wind and it’s North Africa’s laid-back surf village turned global beginner hotspot.

Taghazout is a great mix of beginner-friendly waves and Moroccan culture. Think: slow rights, goats on cliffs, and surf guides who call you “my friend”, like non stop. It’s a rite of passage for Euro winter escapees, digital nomads, and foamie fanatics alike.

Waves
Taghazout Bay (just south of Anchor Point) has mellow beach breaks like Panoramas and Crocodiles—perfect for newbies. Plenty of whitewater and small green waves, especially at high tide. You’ll find your feet here before heading to more iconic spots like Hash Point or Devil’s Rock.

Water quality
Mostly clean, but can get murky after storms or near river mouths. It’s the Atlantic—so a bit chilly in winter, but refreshing year-round.

Wardrobe
3/2mm full suit from November to April, shorty or even bikini/boardies in summer. Water temps range from 17°C (63°F) in winter to 21°C (70°F) in late summer.

☀️ Best time to surf
October to March is prime time—smaller, clean swell for beginners and less crowd than Euro summer. December–February sees bigger swells but still manageable for newbies at protected spots.

⚠️ Hazards
Rocky bottoms at some breaks (e.g. Hash Point), urchins near reefy spots, and the occasional rogue donkey. Most beaches are beginner-friendly, but always ask your local surf guide where to paddle out.

Surfboard rental
Everywhere. Taghazout is packed with surf camps and rental shops. Foamies, soft-tops, longboards, shortboards—it’s a Moroccan surf buffet.

What else to do in Taghazout
Lounge in a rooftop café with mint tea and a view, wander the beach at sunset, take a yoga class, or head to Paradise Valley for a freshwater swim in a desert oasis. Don’t skip the couscous or the grilled sardines.

Solo traveling: Very doable. Taghazout is welcoming, with tons of surf camps, co-living hostels, and group dinners that make it easy to meet fellow travelers. Just remember, this is still a traditional Muslim town—dress respectfully off the beach, and ask before snapping pics of locals.

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team